Rules, Eligibility & Terms & Conditions

Deadline

The deadline for completed Poetry entries is 23:59 UK time on 31 May 2026. The online entry system closes at midnight, so please do not leave your submission until the last minute. Postal entries postmarked 31 May but received later will be accepted.

Length

• Maximum 42 lines.
• No minimum length.
• The title is not included in the line count.
• Dedications are not included in the line count.
• Spaces between text or stanzas are not counted.

Entry fee

£13 per poem. There is no limit to the number of poems you can submit.

General

• Poems can be on any subject, in any style or form.
• We do not accept poems written for children.
• Please check you are submitting the correct version before uploading, as mistakes cannot be rectified later.
• If you submit the wrong version or spot a mistake, you may withdraw and resubmit a corrected version before the deadline. A further entry fee will be payable.
• Entries can be withdrawn by logging into your Submittable account. Entry fees will not be refunded.

Format

• Entries must be typed. Handwritten submissions are not accepted.
• Do not add cover pages or title pages.
• Use any font in 12pt.
• Use single line spacing, except between stanzas where it should be double spaced.
• Add the line count to the top right of the first page.
• Do not send illustrated work.
• If the poem runs to two pages, number both pages centre bottom.
• Accepted file types are listed in the Entry checklist above.
• The file name should be the title of the poem only, typed exactly as it appears on the document.
• Do not include your name in the file title or the entry will be disqualified.
• Do not put “Bridport entry”, “Bridport poem entry” or similar wording in the file title.
• For untitled poems, save the document using the first line of the poem.

Eligibility

• Entrants must be aged 16 or over at the time of submission.
• Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
• Entries must be in English.
• Translations into English of the entrant’s own work are accepted.
• AI must not be used for the creative development, drafting, rewriting or editing of your poem and the creative conception, expression, structure and wording must be entirely your own.
• Poems must not have been published, self-published, published on a website, blog or online forum, broadcast, or won or been placed in another competition.
• Poems that have been longlisted or shortlisted elsewhere are eligible, provided they have not won a prize or been published.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but the poem becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
• Entries submitted posthumously are not eligible.

Disqualification

Poetry entries will be disqualified if they are named, over the line limit, breach the AI rules or otherwise do not comply. If you forget to add the title or line count, your entry will not be disqualified.

Postal entries

• Postal entry forms can be downloaded from the website.
• Send one copy of your entry and a completed form.
• Amendments or substitutions cannot be made after submission.
• If you wish to correct errors, submit a new entry marked FINAL VERSION on the first page, enter again and pay the fee.
• No correspondence about amendments will be entered into.
• Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy.
• If you want confirmation that your entry has arrived, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
• It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.

Judging

The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Judging is fair and unbiased. Bridport Prize reserves the right to change the judging panel without notice.

Copyright and publication

Copyright in all submitted work remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish winning and highly commended entries in anthologies and in promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and awards

A shortlist of poem titles will be announced on the Bridport Prize website and social media on 29 July 2026. Winners and highly commended poets will be notified by email in September. A prize-giving event will be held at Bridport Arts Centre on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Prizes

• 1st prize: £5,000
• 2nd prize: £1,000
• 3rd prize: £500
• Highly Commended: 10 x £100

Receipts

Online entries are confirmed by email to your Submittable account after payment. Please check your spam folder. It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email. Postal entrants should enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT if they require confirmation of receipt.

Deadline

The deadline for Short Story entries is 23:59 UK time on 31 May 2026. Postal entries postmarked 31 May but received later will be accepted.

Length

• Maximum 5,000 words.
• No minimum length.
• The title is not included in the word count.
• If you include a glossary of terms or expressions, this is included in the word count.

Entry fee

£15 per short story. There is no limit to the number of short stories you can submit.

General

• Stories can be on any subject, in any style or form.
• We do not accept stories written for children.
• Please check you are submitting the correct version before uploading, as mistakes cannot be rectified later.
• If you submit the wrong version or spot a mistake, you may withdraw and resubmit a corrected version. A further entry fee will be payable.
• Entries can be withdrawn by logging into your Submittable account. Entry fees will not be refunded.

Format

• Entries must be typed. Handwritten submissions are not accepted.
• Do not add cover pages or title pages.
• Use any font in 12pt.
• Add the word count to the top right of the first page.
• Use double line spacing.
• Number pages in the centre at the bottom of the page.
• Accepted file types are listed in the Entry checklist above.
• The file name should be the title of the story only, typed exactly as it appears on the document.
• Do not include your name in the file title or the entry will be disqualified.
• Do not put “Bridport entry”, “Bridport story entry” or similar wording in the file title.
• For untitled stories, save the document using the first line of the story.
• For postal entries, staple or securely fasten the pages together with a strong paperclip.

Eligibility

• Entrants must be aged 16 or over at the time of submission..
• Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
• Entries must be in English.
• Translations into English of the entrant’s own work are accepted.
• AI must not be used for the creative development, drafting, rewriting or editing of your short story and the creative conception, expression, structure and wording must be entirely your own.
• Short stories must not have been published, self-published, published on a website, blog or online forum, broadcast, or won or been placed in another competition.
• Stories that have been longlisted or shortlisted elsewhere are eligible, provided they have not won a prize or been published.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but the story becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
• Entries submitted posthumously are not eligible.

Disqualification

Short Story entries will be disqualified if they are named, over the word limit, breach the AI rules or otherwise do not comply. If you forget to add the title or word count, your entry will not be disqualified.

Postal entries

• Postal entry forms can be downloaded from the website.
• Send one copy of your entry and a completed form.
• Amendments or substitutions cannot be made after submission.
• If you wish to correct errors, submit a new entry marked FINAL VERSION on the first page, enter again and pay the fee.
• No correspondence about amendments will be entered into.
• Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy.
• If you want confirmation that your entry has arrived, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
• It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.

Judging

The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Judging is fair and unbiased. Bridport Prize reserves the right to change the judging panel without notice.

Copyright and publication

Copyright in all submitted work remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish winning and highly commended entries in anthologies and in promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and awards

A shortlist of short story titles will be announced on the Bridport Prize website and social media on 29 July 2026. Winners and highly commended writers will be notified by email in September. A prize-giving event will be held at Bridport Arts Centre, Dorset on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Prizes

• 1st prize: £5,000
• 2nd prize: £1,000
• 3rd prize: £500
• Highly Commended: 10 x £100

Receipts

Online entries are confirmed by email to your Submittable account after payment. Please check your spam folder. It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email. Postal entrants should enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT if they require confirmation of receipt.

Deadline

The deadline for Flash Fiction entries is 23:59 UK time on 31 May 2026. Postal entries postmarked 31 May but received later will be accepted.

Length

• Maximum 250 words.
• No minimum length.
• The title is not included in the word count.

Entry fee

£12 per flash fiction entry. There is no limit to the number of flash fiction stories you can submit.

General

• Flash fiction entries can be on any subject, in any style or form.
• We do not accept stories written for children.
• Please check you are submitting the correct version before uploading, as mistakes cannot be rectified later.
• If you submit the wrong version or spot a mistake, you may withdraw and resubmit a corrected version before the deadline. A further entry fee will be payable.
• Online entries can be withdrawn by logging into your Submittable account. Postal entries can be withdrawn by emailing Bridport Prize. Entry fees will not be refunded.

Format

• Entries must be typed. Handwritten submissions are not accepted.
• Do not add cover pages or title pages.
• Use any font in 12pt.
• Entries must be written in English.
• Translation into English of your own work is accepted.
• Add the word count to the top right of the first page.
• Use double line spacing.
• If the piece runs to more than one page, number pages centre bottom.
• Accepted file types are listed in the Entry checklist above.
• The file name should be the title of the story only, typed exactly as it appears on the document.
• Do not include your name in the file title or the entry will be disqualified.
• Do not put “Bridport entry”, “Bridport flash fiction entry” or similar wording in the file title.
• For untitled pieces, save the document using the first line of the story.

Eligibility

• Entrants must be aged 16 or over at the time of submission.
• Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
• Translations into English of the entrant’s own work are accepted.
• AI must not be used for the creative development, drafting, rewriting or editing of your flash fiction story and the creative conception, expression, structure and wording must be entirely your own.
• Flash fiction entries must not have been published, self-published, published on a website, blog or online forum, broadcast, or won or been placed in another competition.
• Entries that have been longlisted or shortlisted elsewhere are eligible, provided they have not won a prize or been published.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but the entry becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
• Entries submitted posthumously are not eligible.

Disqualification

Flash Fiction entries will be disqualified if they are named, over the word limit, breach the AI rules or otherwise do not comply with the rules. If you forget to add the title or word count, your entry will not be disqualified.

Postal entries

• Postal entry forms can be downloaded from the website.
• Send one copy of your entry and a completed form.
• Amendments or substitutions cannot be made after submission.
• If you wish to correct errors, submit a new entry marked FINAL VERSION on the first page, enter again and pay the fee.
• No correspondence about amendments will be entered into.
• Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy.
• If you want confirmation that your entry has arrived, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
• It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.

Judging

The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Judging is fair and unbiased. Bridport Prize reserves the right to change the judge without notice.

Copyright and publication

Copyright in all submitted work remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish winning and highly commended entries in anthologies and in promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and awards

A shortlist of flash fiction titles will be announced on the Bridport Prize website and social media on 29 July 2026. Winners and highly commended writers will be notified by email in September. A prize-giving event will be held at Bridport Arts Centre on Saturday 17 October 2026.

Prizes

• 1st prize: £1,000
• 2nd prize: £500
• 3rd prize: £250
• Highly Commended: 5 x £100

Receipts

Online entries are confirmed by email via your Submittable account after payment. Please check your spam folder. It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email. Postal entrants should enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT if they require confirmation of receipt.

Deadline

The deadline for Novel Award entries is 23:59 UK time on 31 May 2026.

Length

• Submit 5,000 to 8,000 words from the opening chapters.
• Include a 300-word synopsis as the first page or pages of your submission.
• The synopsis should include a brief first-paragraph summary followed by the synopsis.

Entry fee

£26 per novel.

Submissions and synopsis

• The first page or pages of your entry must be the 300-word synopsis.
• Shortlisted entrants will be asked to submit 30,000 words for the final stage of judging.
• Your original submission must remain unchanged. Entrants unable to comply will be disqualified.

Format

• Entries must be typed. Handwritten submissions are not accepted.
• Do not add cover pages or title pages.
• Entries must be submitted online or by post. Email submissions are not accepted.
• Use any 12pt font.
• Use double spacing.
• Number all pages.
• Include the novel’s title on every page.
• Accepted file types are listed in the Entry checklist above.
• The file name should be the novel title only.
• Do not include your name in the file name.
• Include the word count for the synopsis and submission on the top right of the first page.
• Entries must be in English.
• Translations into English of the entrant’s own work are accepted.
• Do not send illustrated work.

Eligibility and terms

• Entrants must be aged 16 or over at the time of submission.
• Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
• AI must not be used for the creative development, drafting, rewriting, editing, paraphrasing or summarising of your novel and the creative conception, expression, structure and wording must be entirely your own.
• The novel must be unpublished and not accepted for future publication.
• Entrants to the Novel Award must not have previously published a novel, although self-published novels and ebooks are accepted.
• Novel entrants who have had other types of books traditionally published, such as poetry, memoir or nonfiction, are eligible to submit.
• Self-published authors may submit self-published or new work as long as they do not have an agent and have not had a traditional publishing contract.
• Previously longlisted or shortlisted novels are eligible as long as they did not win a cash prize and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published online or in print.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but the novel becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
• Entries submitted posthumously are not eligible.
• The judging agent may contact longlisted and shortlisted authors before the winner is announced.
• Bridport Prize expects to be recognised in any published novels associated with the competition.

Disqualification

Novel Award entries will be disqualified if they are named, over the word limit, do not include a synopsis, breach the AI rules or otherwise do not comply. If you forget to add the title or word count, your entry will not be disqualified.

Postal entries

• Postal entry forms can be downloaded from the website.
• Send one copy of your manuscript and a completed form.
• Amendments or substitutions cannot be made after submission.
• If you wish to correct errors, submit a new entry marked FINAL VERSION on the first page, enter again and pay the fee.
• No correspondence about amendments will be entered into.
• Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy.
• If you want confirmation that your entry has arrived, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
• It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.

Judging

The judges’ decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Bridport Prize reserves the right to change the judge without notice.

Copyright and publication

Copyright in all submitted work remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish winning and highly commended entries in anthologies and in promotional materials related to the competition.

Results and awards

The winner and runner-up in the Novel Award will be notified by 2 October 2026. Poetry, Short Story, Flash Fiction and Novel results will be posted on the website on 17 October 2026.

Prizes

• 1st prize: £1,500 plus up to a year’s mentoring from The Literary Consultancy through the Chapter & Verse mentoring scheme, plus a short written report on the winning entry from the judge.
• If, after mentoring, the finished novel is suitable, A.M. Heath Literary Agents will have first option to represent the winner and offer it to a recommended publisher.
• Runner-up: £750 plus a full manuscript appraisal from The Literary Consultancy.
• Three Highly Commended prizes: £150 plus a 15,000-word manuscript appraisal from The Literary Consultancy, redeemable against a full read if desired.
• All five winners are invited to an Industry Day with The Literary Consultancy.

Deadline

The deadline for Memoir Award entries is 23:59 UK time on 30 September 2026.

Length

• Submit 5,000 to 8,000 words from the opening chapter or chapters.
• Include a 300-word overview as the first page or pages of your submission.
• Longlisted entrants will be asked to submit 15,000 words for the next stage of judging. This includes the original submission and overview.
• Shortlisted entrants will be asked to submit 30,000 words for the final stage of judging. This includes the original submission and overview.
• Entrants unable to comply with further submission requirements will be disqualified.

Entry fee

£26 per memoir. Writers can enter any number of memoirs.

General

• Memoirs can be in any style or form.
• Entries must be in English.
• Translations into English of the entrant’s own work are accepted.
• Work written for children is not accepted.
• Entries must be submitted online or by post. Email submissions are not accepted.
• Please check you are submitting the correct version before uploading, as mistakes cannot be rectified later.
• If you submit the wrong version or spot a mistake, you may withdraw and resubmit a corrected version. A further entry fee will be payable.
• Entries can be withdrawn by logging into your Submittable account. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• Bridport Prize expects to be recognised in any published memoirs associated with the competition.

Overview

The first page or pages of your entry must be an overview of no more than 300 words. The overview may be personal and individual.

The overview should include:

• A general paragraph about the Memoir itself.
• A paragraph which highlights the larger themes of the work (if there are any) for example social / cultural issues, history, identity, recalling a lost past, why you have decided to write about this subject – for example a family connection / secret, because you have a particular passion / expertise in the area in which you are writing, you feel your story may be a help to others.
• A short paragraph about the structure – ie) chronological / thematic / something more impressionistic.

Format

• Entries must be typed in any font 12pt.
• Use double spacing.
• Number all pages.
• Include the memoir’s title on every page.
• Accepted file types are listed in the Entry checklist above.
• The file name should be the title of the memoir only.
• Do not include your name in the file name or the entry will be disqualified.
• Include the word count for the overview and submission on the top right of the first page.
• Do not add cover pages or title pages.
• Do not send illustrated work.
• Handwritten submissions are not accepted.

Eligibility and terms

• Entrants must be aged 16+ at the time of submission.
• Entries must be the entrant’s own original work.
• AI must not be used for the creative development, drafting, rewriting, editing, paraphrasing or summarising of your memoir and the creative conception, expression, structure and wording must be entirely your own.
• Entrants to the Memoir Award must not have previously published a memoir, although self-published memoirs and ebooks are accepted.
• Memoir entrants who have had other types of books traditionally published, such as poetry or novels, are eligible to submit.
• Previously longlisted or shortlisted memoirs are eligible as long as they did not win a cash prize and no more than 8,000 words has previously been published online or in print.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but the memoir becomes ineligible if it wins a prize elsewhere or is published before prize giving. Entry fees will not be refunded.
• You must inform Bridport Prize immediately if your entry is published or wins a prize elsewhere.
• Entries submitted posthumously are not eligible.

Disqualification

As memoir is based on personal experience, the author’s name may appear within the body of the writing where it forms part of the narrative, however no other identifying marks such as email address or social media handles may be included. Inclusion of other personal details will result in disqualification.

Memoir entries will be disqualified if they are over the word limit, do not include an overview, breach the AI rules or otherwise do not comply with the rules. If you forget to add the title or word count, your entry will not be disqualified.

Postal entries

• Postal entry forms can be downloaded from the website.
• Send one copy of your manuscript and a completed form.
• Amendments or substitutions cannot be made after submission.
• If you wish to correct errors, submit a new entry marked FINAL VERSION on the first page, enter again and pay the fee.
• Entries cannot be returned. Please keep a copy.
• If you want confirmation that your entry has arrived, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard marked ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
• It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.

Judging

The judge’s decision is final and no individual correspondence can be entered into. Judges are unable to comment on individual entries. Bridport Prize reserves the right to change the judge without notice.

Copyright and publication

Copyright in all submitted work remains with the author. Entrants grant Bridport Prize a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to publish winning and highly commended entries, extracts and related material in anthologies, on the website and in promotional materials related to the competition. Bridport Prize reserves the right to make editorial amendments where necessary for legal, editorial or formatting purposes.

Results and awards

The winner and runner-up in the Memoir Award will be notified by 12 March 2027. Memoir results will be posted on the website and social media on 13 March 2027. Extracts from the winning memoirs will be published on 18 March 2027.

Bridport Prize reserves the right to make editorial changes to memoir extracts to avoid breaching any law and to make them suitable for publication on the Bridport Prize website. Bridport Prize also reserves the right not to publish the memoir extract.

Prizes

• 1st prize: £1,500 plus up to a year’s mentoring from The Literary Consultancy through the Chapter & Verse mentoring scheme, plus a short written report on the winning entry from the judge.
• If, after mentoring, the finished memoir is suitable, A.M. Heath Literary Agents will have first option to represent the winner and offer it to a recommended publisher.
• Runner-up: £750 plus a full manuscript appraisal from The Literary Consultancy.
• The first 3,000 words of the winning and runner-up memoirs will be published on the Bridport Prize website.
• Three Highly Commended prizes: £150 plus a 15,000-word manuscript appraisal from The Literary Consultancy, redeemable against a full read if desired.
• All five winners are invited to an Industry Day with The Literary Consultancy.

Receipts

Online entries are confirmed by email from Bridport Prize / Submittable. Please check your spam folder. It is not possible to confirm receipt of entries by phone or email.